Formula 1 is fast-paced, and changes arrive sooner rather than later. Alongside the obvious regulations overhaul in 2026, F1’s chief Stefano Domenicali has signalled radical changes to race weekends. He has floated ideas such as reverse grid and shorter races, as well as more F1 sprint races.
Sprint races sit high on the agenda. Starting in 2027, Domenicali wants to expand the format from six to ten events spread throughout the season. Although Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of F1, has not announced any formal plans for the future, this did spark debate on how to target a younger generation of fans.
F1 sprint races will play a bigger role in the racing series
In recent years, Formula 1 has welcomed a surge of new fans. The sport is steadily growing and attracting more global attention than ever. Although “die-hard” supporters are still the core of the sport, younger generations are increasing in numbers.
It is to this younger audience that Domenicali wants to cater, and he’s intent on making it happen in the near future.
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The F1 sprint races are, according to the F1 chief, the best way to engage this new audience: “I’m being a bit provocative, but free practice appeals to super-specialists; people who want to see more action prefer a sprint weekend.”
Domenicali makes it clear that action is what the sport needs and what the new generation of fans wants. The promoters, however, aren’t entirely sold on the idea of more F1 sprint races.
The duality of the sprint format’s value
When the new racing format was introduced in 2021, fans, promoters, and drivers alike were sceptical. Over time, the format began to gain acceptance as it added more action to race weekends – though some critics still argue otherwise.
But, does more action equal more value? The answer is divided. It certainly is not reflected in ticket sales, as per Bobby Epstein, co-founder of the Circuit of the Americas:
“I don’t know that it’s translated to a lot more ticket sales, but the fans seem to be warming up to it… I just think it increases the value of the ticket and gives people more, which we always appreciate.”
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The format might not be bringing people in, but it is making people stay, according to Tyler Epp, president of the Miami Grand Prix. Epp notes that “attendance was up on a Saturday, [as people] were there early for a sprint race.”
Although opinion remains divided, this shows that Formula 1’s leadership is making an active effort to move the sport into a new era. In a world where engagement and retention are vital, such changes make practical sense. However, is this what fans truly want? There’s a fine line between innovation and losing the essence of what makes Formula 1 what it is. Finding a middle ground that all can enjoy might be the hardest part yet.
